12 Useful Resolutions For The New Year

Let's face it: Almost no one holds true to their New Year's resolutions permanently. Sure, some guys will make minor lifestyle changes that might last about as long as their state of drunkenness on New Year's Eve. But even these instances are rare, and often it seems like the whole "New Year's resolution" thing is a collective lark; a charade that everyone agrees on so as not to admit to actually starting the year with an extended hangover.

This year, take my advice and make a useful and realistic resolution. Stop focusing on such perennial classics as going to the gym more often, losing weight and quitting smoking. Think bigger, better and brighter, for you and for those around you. Beyond just giving you the right to say you quit something, certain resolutions will get you thinking about the big picture.

The following 12 resolutions are intended to make you a better person. Pick at least one and stick to it (that's right, follow through — it's not that difficult).

1- Perform one unselfish act regularly That is, something for others from which you don't benefit directly. It could be as small as carrying someone's groceries, as generous as helping someone whose car is broken down on the highway, or as practical as teaching a friend something you know a lot about.

2- Be grateful If you don't already thank people when they do something nice for you, start taking the time to notice just how many people help you over the course of a day. This applies on a large scale as well. If you consider all the people who have helped you in your life (parents, teachers, coaches, etc.), you might feel a bit better about humanity and stay humble as well.

3- Retire a grudge Remember your friend's friend who never listened when you asked him to use a coaster, and then spilled his red wine on your white carpet? It's time to forgive him. He's really not that bad a guy. Once you learn to forgive and forget, practice this magic on yourself and pardon last year's sins — including the things you swore you'd quit doing after the, um, New Year.

4- Purify your body Keep toxins out of your body (alcohol, nicotine, etc.). If you can't do it indefinitely, then do it for at least a few months and make a point to notice the effect it has on your body. You might start to treat yourself better in general.

5- Spend time with family Realize your family's importance and pay special attention to those who might have been neglected lately. Visit the grandparents who don't get out much or the cousin you used to be so close to. You also might want to consider touching base with some old friends you've lost contact with. In every instance, you will be reminded of certain aspects of yourself that you forgot about and get back in touch with your roots.

6- Get more sleep Sleeping one more hour every night increases your net sleeping hours by approximately 15%. The increased energy and productivity will likely be a lot more noticeable than the physical results of last year's "go to the gym more" resolution. So buy some nice sheets and lay down.